Cooper is an Atlantic County Freeholder, serving since 2005. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education. She also owns Alisa Cooper Orchestras, Music & Entertainment Agency. Along with her orchestras, she has performed at a number of charitable events. She was named to the New Jersey State Council on the Arts in 2008. She is married to her husband, Doug Little. They have one child.[2]

Speculation

Asbury Park Press

District 2 is one of only three districts that the Asbury Park Press identified as competitive in 2011. The other two are Districts 14 and 38. Districts 2 and 38 may lean more Republican after 2011 redistricting, and District 14 may still favor Democrats. As evidence, they cite a drop in registered Democrats in Districts 2 and 38, and only a small decrease in registered Democrats in District 14. History has shown, argues APP, that districts where Democrats hold less than a 10,000 registered voter advantage typically favor the GOP. The Democratic registration advantage in District 2 is roughly 9,200 (down from 11,000).[4]

NJ Spotlight

With assembly incumbent Vincent Polistina (R) choosing to run for the State Senate, NJ Spotlight has identified the District 2 as a potential place for the GOP to lose a seat in the Assembly. Following redistricting, the District 2 gained Democratic communities, losing Republican Galloway Township and picking up Democratic Somers Point, Buena and Buena Vista.[5]

Campaign donors

2011

District 2 tops fundraising

As of October 25, candidates for District 2 have raised $3,762,118--according to the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission. This makes District 2 number one in fundraising for the year. Candidates for the district have spent $3,161,517 of their campaign funds.[6]

Endorsements

State leaders pick sides in District 2

Several powerful state leaders have expressed support for their chosen candidates in District 2. Senate Majority Leader Barbara Buono (D) and Chairman of the state Democratic Committee John Wisniewski (D) have personally endorsed the Democratic ticket in District 2, attending a rally in support of the candidates. The Republican candidates have garnered the support of Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno (R), who attended an event for GOP campaign staff in District 2. The visits further highlight the importance of the district in November's election.[7]